Honestly, if you’d told anyone in 2003 that the girl dancing on top of tables in The Simple Life would eventually be the creative force behind a multi-million dollar fashion empire that’s lasted nearly two decades, they probably would’ve laughed you out of the room. But here we are in 2026, and House of Harlow 1960 isn't just a "celebrity brand." It’s a legitimate lifestyle heavyweight.
Nicole Richie didn't just slap her name on a perfume and call it a day. She built something that felt—and still feels—visceral.
When she launched the line back in 2008, it started small. Just jewelry. She was 26, a new mom to her daughter Harlow, and she was clearly trying to shed the "reality star" skin that had defined her early twenties. She named the brand after her daughter, but the "1960" part? That was a nod to her obsession with the era of free love, big hair, and even bigger sunglasses.
The Sunburst That Started It All
You probably remember the necklace. The Sunburst Station Necklace. It was everywhere in the late 2000s. If you weren't wearing a leather-inlaid gold sunburst pendant, were you even living in the 2010s?
That specific design became the DNA of the brand. It was inspired by the Art Deco movement—all sharp lines and geometric drama—but it had this dusty, California-cool vibe that made it feel like you’d found it in a vintage shop in Topanga Canyon. Richie has said in interviews that she’s a vintage collector at heart, and you can see that in how she mixes metals and uses materials like malachite, tiger's eye, and abalone.
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The brand's growth was actually pretty calculated for someone the tabloids used to call "unhinged." She didn't rush.
- 2008: Jewelry launch (the foundational "costume" pieces).
- 2010: Expansion into shoes and apparel.
- 2011: Handbags and eyewear (the Chelsea sunglasses became a cult favorite).
- 2014: The first full ready-to-wear collection.
- 2021: A massive creator collab with Etsy for home goods.
The Revolve Era and the 2024 Rebrand
By the mid-2010s, the brand found its "forever home" in a partnership with REVOLVE. This was a genius move. It allowed House of Harlow 1960 to pivot from just being sold in high-end boutiques like Kitson to being the go-to brand for the Coachella-bound "it girl."
If you look at the HOH x REVOLVE collections, they’re basically a love letter to the 70s. We’re talking faux fur coats, velvet jumpsuits, and maxi dresses with slits so high they make you nervous.
But something interesting happened recently. In late 2024, Nicole Richie did something most founders are too scared to do: she took back full creative control and dropped the "1960" from the name. It’s just House of Harlow now.
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Why? Because the brand grew up. The newest collections, like the "Hathor" series, move away from the "boho-chic" costume jewelry of the past and into "demi-fine" territory. We're talking 14k gold over sterling silver (vermeil) and stones that feel more like heirlooms than festival accessories. Prices reflect that too—some of the newer necklaces now retail for over $1,500. It’s a gamble, moving from the $50-$200 range into luxury, but it reflects where Richie is in her own life. She’s not just a "cool girl" anymore; she’s a mogul.
Why People Actually Keep Buying It
Most celebrity brands die within three years. They usually feel like a cash grab. House of Harlow survived because it has a specific "voice."
Richie doesn't follow trends. She’s famously said she designs what she wants to wear. That authenticity is why you’ll still see people scouring Resale sites for 2012-era House of Harlow moccasins or those oversized "Emily" sunglasses.
The brand also nails the "California Desert" aesthetic better than almost anyone. It’s that mix of "I just woke up in a yurt" and "I’m going to a gala at the MOCA." It’s messy but intentional.
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How to Style It Without Looking Like a Costume
The biggest mistake people make with House of Harlow is going "full boho." If you wear the fringe jacket, the headpiece, the sunburst necklace, and the bell-bottoms all at once, you look like you’re going to a themed party.
Instead, treat it like Richie does:
- The "One Piece" Rule: Pair a heavy HOH statement necklace with a plain white t-shirt and vintage Levi's.
- Layering Textures: Mix a House of Harlow velvet blazer with silk or leather. The brand thrives on contrast.
- Intentional Stones: Use the jewelry for its "energy." Richie often pairs stones like black onyx (for shedding negative energy) or malachite with her outfits. It’s a bit "woo-woo," but it’s part of the brand’s soul.
What’s Next for the House?
Moving into 2026, the focus seems to be shifting heavily toward home and lifestyle. Following the success of the Etsy collaboration and her home fragrance line (the "Winter Kate" candle is a sleeper hit), expect more tabletop items and furniture.
Richie is essentially building a world where you don't just wear her clothes; you live in her aesthetic.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
If you're looking to dive back into the brand, don't just buy the first thing you see on a sale rack. Look for the demi-fine jewelry from the recent relaunch. It’s higher quality and holds its value better. Check sites like The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective for "vintage" House of Harlow pieces from 2009-2012; those early sunburst designs are becoming genuine collectors' items for Millennial fashionistas. If you want the current look, the HOH x REVOLVE knitwear is consistently the best-reviewed category for durability and fit.